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Harnessing Solar Energy for Urban Regeneration: Advancing Energy Communities to Mitigate Poverty and Empower Social Neighbourhoods
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Resumo(s)
ABSTRACT: This paper investigates Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) as innovative instruments for urban regeneration, focusing on their dual role in advancing decarbonisation and mitigating energy poverty. Cascais Municipality, aligned with EU climate neutrality objectives, launched a pilot in Alcabideche integrating technical deployment with social engagement. The intervention included photovoltaic (PV) systems on five public buildings (two with storage) and five social housing blocks, complemented by three electric vehicle chargers. Preliminary monitoring indicates reductions in household electricity bills of up to 30%, contributing directly to alleviating energy poverty. To complement the technical implementation, structured surveys and focus groups were conducted with residents and local stakeholders. Findings reveal high levels of interest in participating in RECs, though concerns remain regarding information accessibility, trust in governance structures, and long-term benefits. Citizen engagement activities proved essential in overcoming these barriers, reinforcing social acceptance and community ownership. The initiative is supported by the WeGenerate project, which provides frameworks for replicating REC models across Europe, linking technological innovation with participatory governance. Results demonstrate that socially inclusive RECs can simultaneously enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen social cohesion, positioning them as critical enablers of equitable and resilient urban regeneration.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Renewable energy Solar photovoltaics Urban areas Energy efficiency in buildings Urban revaluing Decarbonization Citizen Energy Communities
Contexto Educativo
Citação
Viana, S., Aelenei, L., Ortigão, M., Rodrigues, A., Cunha-e-Sá, M.A., Gonçalves, H., Dinis, J., Monteiro, C., Cabral, J., Segura, I.L., & Salom, J. (2025). Harnessing Solar Energy for Urban Regeneration: Advancing Energy Communities to Mitigate Poverty and Empower Social Neighbourhoods. In: ISHVAC 2025: 14th International Symposium on Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning, Tokyo, Japan, December 2025